Directly-Elected Mayor for Limerick Bill advances to Seanad

IN WHAT is being dubbed a "significant milestone", the Directly-Elected Mayor for Limerick Bill has been progressed from the Dáil to the Seanad.

Having been voted in by the people of Limerick in 2019, the Bill was finally progressed through its final stages in Dáil Éireann on Wednesday night by Kieran O'Donnell TD.

"I am delighted to have brought the Directly-Elected Mayor for Limerick Bill through Report and Final Stages in the Dáil tonight - a significant milestone in this historic reform of Local Government in Limerick and in the state," wrote the Limerick TD.

I am delighted to have brought the Directly Elected Mayor for Limerick Bill through Report and Final Stages in the Dáil tonight - a significant milestone in this historic reform of Local Government in Limerick and in the state.

The Bill will now move onwards to the Seanad. pic.twitter.com/Sxb4mjf0Ca

— Kieran O’Donnell TD for Limerick City Constituency (@kodonnellLK) December 13, 2023

This update comes just one day after issues surrounding the Bill were debated in the Dáil.

On Tuesday, Clare TD Michael McNamara spoke in the Chamber, insisting that the office for directly elected mayor is "properly created."

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, reiterated the government's hope that Limerick voters will go to the polls to elect an executive mayor in June 2024.

"I believe the office will be a success. I want to make sure it is well funded, is a success and becomes an example for other counties and city regions to follow," he stated.

The election for the new office is due to take place at the same time as Limerick's local elections on Friday, June 7, 2024.